Monday, March 11, 2013

You
go to Sicily to relax and bask in the warm Mediterranean sun, under a sky clear
of any smog or haze, surrounded by bucolic pastures, clean beaches, stunningly
blue water, and charming locals. You go to enjoy unrushed meals of some of the
most delicious and healthy food you'll ever eat. The wine flows, and if you
should wake up and decided to do something touristy that day, there's plenty of
places where you can while away the day until it's time to relax again in your
Sicilian vacation rental.

Does
all that sound like a great vacation? Of course it does. Sicily has a mild
climate all year round. Even during the summer, when temperatures do get hot,
sea breezes along the coast cool you down. Spring and autumn are the best, and
most popular, times to go. The flowers start blooming in late February and
early March, and you can sunbath into November some years.

There
are plenty of vacation villas in Sicily to choose from at Perfect Places, and
we’re excited to announce the addition of 21 new rentals from Giovanni Villone. They’re
located in a variety of desirable areas and feature great amenities and views.
You’ll have pools, hot tubs, locations right on the beach, tennis courts and
much, much more. These vacation rental villas are the ideal place to spend a
week or two as you explore Sicily.

Archeological
Sites

Mamma Sicily villas are near ancient sites.

In
ancient times, Italy was a prosperous Greek colony and an important part of the
Roman Empire. Doric temples and theatres dot the island. They're isolation from
Greece and the rest of Europe means that they're some of the best surviving
examples of ancient architecture anywhere in the world. You'll find three major
Doric temples in Agrigento. The Temple of Concord was used as a church starting
in the sixth century AD, which helped keep in in better shape that most ancient
ruins. While in Agrigento, don't miss the Valley of the Temples. It includes a
beautiful, green archeological park. In Segesta, spend a day at the Doric
Temple and Theatre of Segesta--one of the world's most impressive archeological
sites. Syracuse has several sites--The Fountain of Arethusa, the Greek Theatre,
the Temple of Athena.

Choose from villas near Mt. Etna (but not too near!)

Mt.
Etna isn't exactly an ancient site, even though it is ancient. It's the highest
volcano in Europe, and it's active. Located on the east side of the island, its
last eruptions were as recent as October 2012, when it spewed ash and lava
could be seen flowing down the mountain. Etna hasn't seen what could be
considered a catastrophic eruption since 1669, though many since then have
caused some property damage.

This beach is just outside your door in one of our
new Mamma Sicily villas!

BeachesSicily
is known for beautiful beaches. Since it's the Mediterranean's largest island,
you should find enough sand to make you happy. Scoglitti is near Agrigento and
easy to get to from Catania. Scoglitti has a number of beaches to choose from,
and advantage should one be too crowded (or not crowded enough). Balestrate is
near Palermo. Its beaches are backed by a forest and can get crowded. If this
happens and you want some privacy, try the nearby Castellamare del Golfo, a
romantic seaside town, reminiscent of old Sicily.

Food

Authentic Sicilian fresh fish market near your
vacation villa.

Sicilian
cooking is perhaps the most unique in Europe, combining Arab and European
ingredients and techniques--think of it as time-tested fusion cuisine. You'll
find an abundance of cafes and restaurants to satisfy any craving. Since you'll
be staying in a Sicilian vacation rental villa, try your hand at Sicilian
recipes. Start with the freshest fish you can find that day, pair it with your
favorite wine, gather fresh herbs and vegetables from the market or, if you're
lucky, from your villa's garden, and have fun experimenting and making
delicious new memories. When you go shopping, be sure to get some of the
basics: olives, eggplant, hot peppers, capers, anchovies, mint, wild fennel, saffron,
bottargo, parsley, pasta, basil, cheeses, garlic, olive oil, and ingredients
for a red sauce and a white sauce. You might even want to try your hand at
famous Sicilian sweet cakes and cookies.

Plan
on staying a while once you get to Sicily. Settle into your villa, stock it
with wine and food. Find the best beaches and ancient sites you'd like to see,
but leave time for just wandering and absorbing the culture and beauty of
Sicily.